The Association has learned of the death of Capt Alan John ‘Spiv’ Leahy CBE DSC RN on 26 December 2019 aged 94.
From Records
1943-1945 – trained as a pilot in GB and US
1945-1946 – 4 Ferry Pool RNAS Anthorn
1946-1947 – 2 Ferry Pool RNAS Stretton
May 1947 – July 1947 – 811 NAS
1947-1949 – 801 NAS embarked HMS Implacable in the Med
1949 – 767 NAS
1949-1950 – Air Weapons Officer Course
1950-1952 – Air Weapons Officer RNAS Culdrose
1952-1953 – 801 NAS embarked HMS Glory in the Med, Far East and during the Korean War
1954-1955 – 800 NAS embarked HMS Ark Royal in the Med
1956-1958 – CO 738 NAS RNAS Lossiemouth
Feb 1958-Sep 1958 – HMS Zest
1958-1959 – RAF Cranwell
1959 – Commanding Officers Course at RNAS Lossiemouth
1959-1960 – CO 803 NAS
1961-1963 – CO 700Z NAS which became 809 NAS
1963-1964 – Cdr Air HMS Hermes in the Far East and Gulf
1964-1966 – Staff Officer with Flag Officer Naval Flying Training Staff
From References *
Whilst flying Sea Fury VW659 of 801 Squadron Glory on 10 September 1952 he suffered RATOG failure on launch and ditched off the bow. Lt A J Leahy unhurt.
Whilst flying Sea Fury WJ295 of 801 Squadron Glory on 18 December 1952 he made a forced landing at Paengyong-do emergency strip Korea, after an ammunition explosion in the port inner gun bay during operations.
London Gazette 10 November 1943 – For service in Korea – Seventh List
LEAHY, Alan John Lt Cdr awarded DSC, invested 16 March 1954
*Fleet Air Arm Fixed-Wing Aircraft since 1946 by Ray Sturtivant, Mick Burrow & Lee Howard